EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and Dunedin, the UK mid-market private equity firm, have launched a nationwide hunt for UK manufacturers who have excelled in exporting, as part of the fifth annual EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.
The EEF/Dunedin ‘Export Development’ awards will be given to a select group of companies that have implemented their export strategy to successfully develop exports to a brand new market within the last three years, whilst a separate ‘Export Growth’ award will be given to the company that has grown its presence in an existing foreign market.
The Future Manufacturing Awards are now in their fifth year and are recognised as a leading awards programme in the manufacturing sector. They offer manufacturers and apprentices from across the UK the opportunity to showcase their achievements across seven different award categories: business growth, people and skills, innovation, export, health and safety, environment and education.
The EEF awards are free to enter and provide many opportunities to win. They will be judged in five regions across the UK and regional winners will be announced at celebration events in November 2013. The regional winners will then compete for the national awards at a prestigious ceremony that will be held in London, in January 2014. Both regional and national winners and runners-up will gain high profile publicity for their business, as well as the accolade of winning a prestigious industry award.
Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive of EEF commented:
“Exporting is the lifeblood of UK manufacturing and many companies are increasing the share of their turnover that comes from overseas markets. If we are to rebalance our economy towards trade then we have to keep boosting our share, especially in emerging faster growing markets around the world. These new awards will showcase the very best in class companies that are leading the way in doing exactly that.”
Dougal Bennett, partner of Dunedin commented:
“UK manufacturing represents some of the best talent in the world. The quality of UK manufactured product is difficult to replicate and it lends itself to exporting as it tends to stand up well against foreign alternatives. We are pleased to recognise excellence in export growth through these awards and look forward to seeing what I know will be some exciting entries.
Dunedin works closely with the management teams it backs to help them internationalise and access foreign markets. An example of this is the mobile tactical military bridging business WFEL, based in Stockport, which we worked with to enhance and expand its global sales and marketing reach and to secure significant new international contracts.”
The Awards are free to enter and are open now to all UK manufacturers, with a closing date of Friday 19th July. For more information visit www.eef.org.uk/awards
The awards categories are:
Business Growth
- Business Growth Award for SMEs
- Business Growth Award for large companies
People and Skills
- Investing in Skills
- Partnership with Education
Innovation
- Operating Practices and Processes
- Smart Product
Export – sponsored by Dunedin LLP
- Export Growth
- Export Development
Health and Safety
Environment
- Environmental Efficiency
- Sustainable Manufacturing
Young Engineering Student
Apprentice Awards
- Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice
- Outstanding Achievement by a Second Year Apprentice (Wales only)
- Outstanding Achievement by a Third Year Apprentice (Wales only)
- Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice